To prepare for your first TMS session, ensure you get adequate sleep, stay hydrated, eat a light meal, and arrive with a positive mindset ready to begin your mental health journey. At Mindset TMS in Greeley, CO, Dr. Nicholle Peralta guides patients through every step of the TMS therapy, ensuring comfort and optimal results from day one.
Starting any new treatment can come with questions. Understanding the basics of TMS therapy can help demystify the process and ease your mind as you begin.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. During each session at Mindset TMS, an electromagnetic coil is gently placed against your scalp near your forehead.
This coil delivers targeted magnetic pulses to specific brain areas associated with mood regulation. These pulses help regulate brain circuits and neurotransmitter levels, providing relief for various mental health conditions.
TMS therapy is a powerful option for individuals dealing with various mental health conditions, especially those who have had an inadequate response to prior antidepressant medications. The treatment offers hope for those with treatment-resistant depression who haven’t found relief through traditional approaches.
FDA clearances include:
Major depressive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Anxious depression
Smoking cessation
Our board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Nicholle Peralta, utilizes TMS to help patients manage a wide range of conditions. To determine candidacy, patients complete a qualification form that helps assess whether TMS is right for them.
Your first appointment is a significant step, and a little preparation can go a long way. Here’s a comprehensive guide to preparing for your first TMS session.
When arriving at our Greeley location on West 20th Street, bring:
Photo ID and insurance card (if applicable)
List of current medications and dosages
Any relevant medical records
Questions for our care team
Comfortable clothing without metal zippers or buttons near the head
A book, music, or podcast for before/after if desired
Remember to remove magnetic-sensitive items, such as credit cards or electronic devices, from your pockets before treatment begins.
Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep the night before helps your brain respond optimally to magnetic stimulation. A well-rested mind processes treatment more effectively, potentially enhancing therapeutic benefits.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat a nutritious, light meal 2-3 hours before your appointment. Proper hydration and nutrition support brain function and prevent lightheadedness during treatment.
Take time to think about what you hope to achieve through TMS therapy. Whether seeking relief from depression, managing anxiety, or addressing OCD behaviors, clear goals help track progress throughout your journey.
Simple deep-breathing exercises can be very effective when you feel nervous. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth to calm the nervous system.
Refrain from consuming alcohol or non-prescribed substances for at least 24 hours before your appointment. These can affect brain chemistry and potentially interfere with treatment effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects.
While regular exercise benefits mental health, avoid strenuous workouts immediately before your session. Arriving physically exhausted or with high adrenaline might make it harder to sit still and relax during treatment.
Create a calm lead-up to your appointment by avoiding loud, chaotic environments or stressful activities. A quiet drive or soothing music can be great preparation for your session.
Allow yourself buffer time after your first TMS session. While most people feel fine and can return to normal activities, avoiding high-stakes meetings or stressful commitments gives you space to process the experience.
Knowing what to expect can make your first visit feel familiar and comfortable.
Your first visit begins with a comprehensive consultation where Dr. Peralta reviews your medical history and treatment goals. The session includes a “mapping” process to determine the precise location on your head for treatment and the correct magnetic energy level.
Once mapped, you’ll sit in a comfortable chair while the electromagnetic coil is positioned. You’ll hear clicking sounds and feel a tapping sensation on your scalp as the magnetic pulses are delivered.
Treatment details:
Sessions typically last 20-40 minutes
You remain awake and alert throughout
No sedation or anesthesia required
You can drive yourself to and from appointments
Most patients describe the tapping sensation as unusual but not painful – similar to a woodpecker gently tapping on the scalp. Some experience mild scalp discomfort or tingling during initial sessions, which typically diminishes as you adjust.
Possible immediate effects:
Mild scalp discomfort
Temporary lightheadedness
Slight headache (usually resolves quickly)
Many patients report feeling energized or experiencing improved mood within the first few treatments, though full benefits typically develop over several weeks of consistent sessions.
Communicate Openly: Tell the team if you feel uncomfortable – intensity can be adjusted
Be Consistent: Complete sessions according to the prescribed schedule for results
Track Your Mood: Keep a journal noting energy levels, sleep quality, and emotional changes
Be Patient: While some notice improvements quickly, others experience gradual progress
Build a Routine: Schedule appointments at the same time each day when possible
Use Virtual Support: Take advantage of phone evaluations and virtual consultations between sessions
Learning how to prepare for your first TMS session sets the foundation for a successful treatment experience. By following these guidelines – from maintaining good sleep and hydration to avoiding alcohol and overstimulation – you optimize your brain’s ability to respond to magnetic therapy.
With proper preparation and the right mindset, your first TMS session marks the beginning of your journey toward improved mental wellness and quality of life.
About the Author
Dr. Nicholle Peralta
Passionate about patient care, she aims to improve quality of life through individualized treatment plans.
May 21, 2026
